Philanthropic Investment in an Inclusive Democracy

During the 2023 legislative session Minnesota enacted a sweeping set of historic reforms including automatic voter registration, Restore the Vote, and more. These reforms will expand the electorate, increase voting access, and add safeguards against threats to our democracy. Thanks to the generous support of MCF members, the Minnesota Democracy Expansion Fund has raised over $360,000 to invest in successful implementation of these reforms.

The Minnesota Democracy Expansion Fund is focused on ensuring Minnesota achieves the full benefit and impact of the 2023 inclusive democracy and election reforms over the coming months and years.

Goals of the Fund

• Support community organizations to serve as trusted messengers to do outreach, education, and organizing around Minnesota’s recent democracy reforms
• Reach and engage historically underrepresented communities, such as young people, BIPOC communities, lower-income residents, non-English speakers, and renters, as well as those that were previously not allowed to participate, such as those with felony convictions that were still on parole and 16- and 17-year-olds in pre-registration
• Demonstrate philanthropy’s commitment to democracy and equity

Grant Recipients of the Minnesota Democracy Expansion Fund

• American Indian Family Center
• Asian American Organizing Project
• Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization
• Communicates Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina (COPAL) 
• EMERGE Community Development
• Karen Organization of Minnesota
• League of Women Voters of Minnesota
• Minnesota Voice
• National Youth Leadership Council
• Native American Community Development Institute
• T.O.N.E U.P. Inc
• YMCA of the North – Center for Youth Voice

The fund received over $2 million dollars in requests.  Congratulations to the selected grantees.

Minnesota Democracy Expansion Fund Contributors

• The Joyce Foundation
• The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund at The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
• Rooted Philanthropic
• Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
• Social Venture Partners

Thank you to the MCF members for their generosity in bringing this fund to life.